Ryan Garcia’s defense of his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn last Saturday was officially a Ring Magazine event, but that felt far from obvious while watching on Paramount+ or during the promotional buildup. Although the lead promoter for the fight was TKO’s Zuffa Boxing, Ring Magazine events typically have a distinct style and presentation that differed from those promoted primarily by Zuffa Boxing. However, Saturday’s event closely resembled a typical Zuffa and TKO production, clearly reflecting their heavy influence and control.
Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, who has been Garcia’s longtime promoter and co-promoter for the fight, was notably excluded from the promotional lead-up and entirely absent on fight night. Garcia revealed on “The Ariel Helwani Show” that initially, he had hoped to have both Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. walk out with him for a meaningful representation of Mexican and Mexican American pride. Despite Garcia’s wishes, no one involved wanted De La Hoya present.
While Garcia didn’t specify who rejected De La Hoya’s presence, the ongoing tense relationship between Dana White of Zuffa Boxing and De La Hoya is well known, particularly since Dana White’s recent ventures into boxing. Garcia admitted he wanted De La Hoya there but wasn’t willing to make a stand on the issue, explaining, “Sometimes you’ve got to pick your battles.” He expressed disappointment that De La Hoya didn’t attend despite having a ticket.
Veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael revealed that Zuffa Boxing had indeed given De La Hoya a ticket, but it was placed in an area that contradicted his contractual rights and raised serious security concerns, effectively preventing his attendance. Although Golden Boy co-promoted the event and had fighters on the undercard, they reportedly received just two tickets and were denied backstage and commission access.
Garcia recounted being told ahead of time that Oscar was not wanted at the event nor to walk with him, but was assured De La Hoya would have a seat—which he ultimately did not use. Since Garcia’s second-round TKO victory over Benn, De La Hoya has made no contact with him.
Their decade-long relationship has been fraught with tension for around seven years. Garcia expressed confusion and disappointment at De La Hoya’s distant behavior, especially since he looked up to him early in his career. He lamented De La Hoya’s apparent emotional immaturity and suggested he is stuck in the past, reflecting on how impactful it would have been if De La Hoya had surprised everyone by appearing during Garcia’s walkout.
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Fan Take: This struggle between Garcia and De La Hoya highlights the often complicated dynamics behind the scenes in boxing promotions, reminding fans that personal conflicts can overshadow a fighter’s journey. For the sport, these tensions show how power struggles among promoters and personalities continue to influence big events, potentially affecting future partnerships and how fights are presented to fans worldwide.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
